Even though Congress passed a contentious healthcare reform bill this Spring, health watchers caution that it will take years to implement many of its key provisions, and even then, not all uninsured Americans will be guaranteed coverage.

From emergency room care to free health clinics, KCPT takes a realistic look at what’s available and what you might expect when you get there. Host Nick Haines talks with Kansas City residents who are already struggling to access the medical system without an insurance card. He also consults with area experts on less obvious ways to get free or reduced health services in the metro.

As frustrating as the search can be, there are places to turn for people who have lost their insurance because of layoffs or cutbacks or who are not offered affordable coverage by their employers.

In the one-hour broadcast KCPT tracks options for residents:

without health insurance

older children aging out of their parents insurance plans

employees who work for small -businesses that don’t offer a health insurance benefit

insured patients who have pre-existing conditions not covered by their health plans

During the broadcast, viewers will have the opportunity to receive a free companion resource guide providing tips, options and a comprehensive listing of organizations providing preventive, dental and eye care at no or low cost.

KCPT’s program, THE UNINSURED: A Kansas City Survival Guide is made possible by a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Additional resources have been provided by the member organizations of the Greater Kansas City Cover the Uninsured Coalition.